Unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader through ADB Tools: A Complete Guide with Proven Methods

Why unlocking Xiaomi bootloader requires ADB And what does it do to the user?

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. The manufacturer blocks the bootloader by default, citing data security and protection from unauthorized access. However, for experienced users, this measure becomes an obstacle to full control of the device.

Use of the ADB Tools (Android Debug Bridge) is one of the most reliable ways to unlock, especially if the standard method through the Mi Unlock Tool does not work, ADB This allows you to bypass some limitations, such as a binding Mi Account with a waiting time of 72-720 hours (depending on the model and region), but it is important to understand that the process requires accurate execution of commands and understanding the risks - from loss of warranty to the complete "filling" of the phone.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔓 Official and unofficial methods of unlocking through ADB
• 📱 List of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, Supporting Unblocking in 2026
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions with commands and process screenshots
• ⚠️ Typical errors and ways to fix them (including fastboot: command not allowed)

Before you start, make sure you are prepared for the possible consequences: after unlocking, all data will be reset, and the device will lose support. OTA-Updates from Xiaomi.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start the procedure, you need to follow a few critical steps, and ignoring them can lead to the inability to unlock or even to the loss of the phone's performance, starting with the model compatibility check and tool preparation.

1. Checking for Unlock Support

Not all Xiaomi devices allow you to unlock the bootloader, for example, models for the Chinese market (China). ROM) They're often very limited, to see if your device is supported:

• 📋 Go to the Mi Unlock Status website and enter IMEI your phone.
• 🔍 Check the list of supported models in the table below (relevant for 2026).

If your model is not on the list, try to clarify the information in the forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA. Some devices (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) may require alternative methods of unlocking through EDL-regime.

2.Setting up a Mi Account

For official unblocking through ADB or Mi Unlock Tool will require a Xiaomi account with a linked phone number:

• 📱 Account must be created at least 30 days ago (for new devices).
• 🔗 The phone number must be confirmed through SMS.
• 🌍 The region of the account must be the same as the region of the phone purchase (e.g. Global). ROM international versions).

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Chinese version of the firmware (China) ROM), Unblocking through standard methods may not be possible without changing the region of the account. EDL or use of informal instruments.

3. Installation of necessary tools

To work with ADB And you'll need a Fastboot:

• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 10/11 Linux (macOS is also supported, but may require additional drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original, as cheap cables can cause connection errors).
• 🛠️ Google Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
• 🔓 Mi Unlock Tool (Official Tool from Xiaomi).

After installing Platform Tools, add the path to the folder to the environment variable. PATH, To run commands from any directory, run commands from the command line to check if the installation is correct:

adb version

If the team returns the version ADB, tool-ready.

Created and confirmed Mi Account over 30 days|Platform Tools and Mi Unlock Tool installed|The phone is charged at least 60 times%|Backup of important data is made|Support for the model is tested-->

The official method of unlocking through ADB Mi Unlock Tool

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi devices and is considered the most secure, as it uses official tools of the manufacturer. However, it requires waiting (from 72 to 720 hours) and strict adherence to instructions.

Step 1: Enable the developer mode and debugging over USB

To unlock the bootloader, you first need to activate the developer’s hidden settings:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
4. Activate the switches: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)

⚠️ Note: If the item Unlock OEM is not available or inactive, this may mean that your device does not support unlocking through standard methods, in which case you will need to use informal methods (described below).

Step 2: Linking your Mi Account to your device

Xiaomi requires you to link your account to your phone before unlocking.

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. In the menu for developers, turn on debugging by USB Confirm your trust in the computer.
3. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and do: Adb devices Make sure the device appears in the list.
4. Execute the account binding command: adb shell miui__unlock --bind_account If the command is not working, use the alternative method via the Mi Unlock Tool.

Once successfully linked, the phone will display a notification that the waiting time countdown is starting, typically 168 hours (7 days) for new accounts, and 72 hours for old ones.

Step 3: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

When the waiting time is up:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the computer.
3. Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
4. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 1-2 minutes).

If the tool gives you a Couldn't unlock error or Current account is different from the account info on the device, it means that the account is not properly linked. Repeat step 2 or try an alternative method through the device. ADB (described in the following section).

💡

The official method through the Mi Unlock Tool is the safest, but requires a long wait (up to 720 hours).If the waiting time is not reduced, check the account binding or use informal methods.

Unofficial method of unlocking through ADB (wait)

If you do not want to wait 72-720 hours or the official method does not work, you can use the workarounds through the Internet. ADB This is a good way to do things for most devices, but it takes care that doing things wrong can lead to loss. IMEI or damage to the modem partition.

Method 1: Use the command fastboot oem unlock

Some models, for example, POCO F3 Redmi Note 11 allows you to unlock the bootloader directly via Fastboot:

1. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
2. Connect to your computer and check for device detection: fastboot devices
3. Run the unlock command: fastboot flashing unlock or (for older devices): fastboot oem unlock
4. Confirm unlocking on the phone screen using volume buttons.

If the team returns the error FAILED (remote: 'Command not allowed', which means that the manufacturer has blocked direct access, and this is where the bypass method will help. EDL.

Method 2: Bypassing EDL-The mode (for advanced users)

EDL-The Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing the limitations of the Fastboot. This method is risky, but sometimes the only solution for Chinese versions of devices.

The work will require:

• 🔧 Firmware for EDL (For example, fastboot-ROM for your model).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm devices).
• 🔑 Auth file (for new models, such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi) K50).

The process includes:

1. Translation of the phone to EDL-mode via command: adb reboot edl or hardware (closing contacts on the board).
2. Firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the option of clean all and lock (Warning: this will delete all data!).
3. After firmware, the bootloader will be unlocked, but you will need to re-configure the device.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL-mode on devices with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi) 10A or POCO M3) requires additional drivers and may cause you to lose your serial number. NV-section.

Solving common errors when unlocking

Even with accurate follow-up, users often encounter errors, and below are the most common problems and ways to fix them.

Error 1: Fastboot: Command Not Allowed

This error occurs when a manufacturer blocks Fastboot commands at the firmware level.

• 🔄 Try using another version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g., a modified version of the Mi Unlock Tool). 4PDA).
• 🔧 Refuse the device on Global ROM (If you have a Chinese version).
• 🛠️ Use it. EDL-regime (described above).

Error 2: Couldn't verify device or Device not connected

The problem is usually related to drivers or USB-- Check the connection:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🖥️ Reinstall the drivers ADB Android SDK.
• 🔄 Restart your computer and phone.

Error 3: Mi Account is not bound to this device

This means that Mi's account is not tied to your phone.

• 🔗 Repeat the binding via the command: adb shell miui__unlock --bind_account
• 📱 Make sure your phone is syncing with your Mi Account.
• ⏳ Wait 24 hours – sometimes Xiaomi servers need time to update status.

💡

If unlocking is stalled during the account verification phase, try temporarily disabling two-factor authentication in Mi Account settings, which sometimes speeds up the verification process.

What to do after successfully unlocking the bootloader

Once you unlock the bootloader, your device is ready to install custom firmware, cores, or root rights, but there are a few important steps to take immediately:

1. Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative recovery that allows you to install informal firmware and create backups:

1. Download the current version of TWRP for your model from the official website.
2. Transfer your phone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
3. Immediately after firmware, go to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power.

If, after the reboot, TWRP If you replace it with a standard recaveri, it means that the firmware is overwriting it, and you're going to have to turn off the recaveri check through the command:

fastboot flash disable_verity

2. Creating a full backup

Before any firmware manipulation, be sure to create a backup of all partitions. TWRP It's done this way:

1. Go to the Backup section.
2. Select the sections: Boot, System, Data, Modem (to save) IMEI).
3. Click Swipe to Backup and wait until it is completed.

Save the backup to your computer or cloud storage, and it will come in handy if something goes wrong.

3. Install Magisk for root rights

If your goal is root, use Magisk (the most reliable way to do it today).

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
2. Rename the file to magisk.zip And copy it to your phone.
3. V TWRP Select Install, specify the file magisk.zip and pass it through.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12 or Redmi K50) Magisk installation can result in a looped reboot. In this case, use the patch method boot.img Magisk Manager.

4. Checking the status of the unlock

To make sure that the bootloader is actually unlocked, follow the command:

fastboot oem device-info

In the conclusion, find the lines:

(bootloader) Device unlocked: true

If it's true, it's successful. If it's false, repeat the unlocking process.

💡

After unlocking the bootloader, never install it. OTA-updates from Xiaomi – this can lead to a re-lock or system failure. Use only custom firmware adapted for unlocked devices.

Risks and consequences of unlocking the loader

Unlocking the bootloader gives you freedom of action, but it also has a number of irreversible consequences.

1. Loss of guarantee

Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty, which means that when you contact the service center, you may be denied free repairs, even if the problem is not related to the software.

Some users successfully “mask” unlocking by temporarily blocking the bootloader before visiting the service, but this does not guarantee the restoration of warranty.

2. Security concerns

An unlocked boot loader makes the device vulnerable to:

• 🛡️ Data breaches (an attacker can access phone sections).
• 🔍 Malware installations at the system level.
• 📱 Functionality loss (e.g. Google Pay, Widevine will not work) L1 viewable HD-content).

3. System instability

Castom firmware and modifications can lead to:

• 🔋 Quick battery discharge.
• 📶 Network problems (loss of signal, errors) IMEI).
• 🔄 Accidental reboots or “departures” of applications.

To minimize risks, use only proven firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience) and update them regularly.

4. Blocking certain functions

On unlocked devices, you may stop working:

• 🎮 Mi Game Turbo and other Xiaomi-branded utilities.
• 🔒 Find My Device (phone search function).
• 📺 Widevine L1 (drop down L3, What will limit the quality of streaming).

Some of these features can be restored by manually firmwareing the original vendor and modem partitions, but this requires deep knowledge.

💡

If banking applications (such as Sberbank or Tinkoff) stop working after unlocking, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate root concealment mode.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions